That's why he organized the Northeast Alabama Toys and Collectibles Show at Gadsden's Convention Hall Sept. 7. The show, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., won't just be about toy soldiers, though. Train enthusiasts, doll collectors, NASCAR memorabilia, toys, cars, coins and collectables are expected to be in evidence at the show.

So far the event has about 20 vendors and is looking for more. Mullins said he hopes to make it an annual happening. Though his area of interest is toy soldiers, he wants the event to embrace many areas of interest.

"Toy soldiers are a hobby of mine," he said. "I can't go to big shows in Chicago or New York, so I thought we might try to start one around here."

Mullins has a room in his home devoted to toy soldiers, and he's been collecting them since childhood.

"I just always played with them," he said. "I always said if I ever got any money, I was going to start buying some. Then I started going online and it went from there."

Mullins said 15 percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and another 15 percent will benefit Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity.